Jack by Ilene Cooper The Early Years of John F. Kennedy

We all know him as our 35th president, but who was John F. Kennedy before he took political office? Ilene Cooper effortlessly takes us through the young life of one of our most influential leaders, for a reading experience you’ll not soon forget.

Drawing on family letters, anecdotes, recollections,and biography, Ilene Cooper has written a riveting account of John F. Kennedy’s early years from birth to prep school graduation, all set against the colorful background of the Kennedy family and their wildly successful pursuit of the American dream. Completely reformatted, this paperback edition is the perfect companion to adult biographies on JFK, and just right for young historians looking to discover the boy behind the man.

For over 20 years, ILENE COOPER has been writing both fiction and nonfiction books for children, including The Golden Rule, Jack: The Early Years of J.F.K., and her Stepping Stones Absolutely Lucy, Lucy on the Loose, Look at Lucy! and Lucy on the Ball. She is also the children's books editor at ALA Booklist magazine. DAVID MERRELL also did the interior illustrations for Look at Lucy! and Lucy on the Ball.

Unrated Critic Reviews for Jack

Kirkus Reviews

Jack was a practical joker, a lackadaisical student, a “boy who doesn’t get things done.” Cooper (Jewish Holidays All Year Round, not reviewed, etc.) succeeds at portraying Jack as an ordinary boy with concerns that many kids have: conflicts with an older brother, illnesses, trouble in school, co...

Publishers Weekly

She speculates that Jack exaggerated some of his impish traits because he could never measure up to his seemingly perfect elder brother, Joe Jr., while also highlighting Jack's charm through family stories and occasionally in his own words, such as his well argued "A Plea for a raise" in allowanc...